“It’s a legacy”: A spotlight on HEAL study participants
How are Canadians changing the future of health research? We sat down with three participants from the BC Generations Project cohort, Stella, Sharon, and Sandra, who are currently participating in the HEAL study. We asked them to share why they decided to join the HEAL study and what they have found most meaningful about participating in research.
“It’s a legacy,” Stella emphasizes. “I’ve been excited about the BC Generations Project overall and then specifically this project because it’s inclusive of everyone that’s part of the program, and the information that we gain will help others.”
The HEAL study aims to better understand how Canadians eat, move, and live to guide future health research, programs, and policies across Canada. We asked Sharon what participating in the HEAL study meant to her personally:
“I really like the idea of there being a broad-based place where data is collected about habits and health. I think that only informs the population both where they fall and what they can do better.”
HEAL and CHARM study participants are asked to complete multiple questionnaires over the course of one year, and we asked Sandra to share her experiences of participating in these surveys:
“I think it’s a very interesting opportunity to reflect on your lifestyle. It’s very detailed, which I wasn’t really expecting,” says Sandra. “They want to know how much water you drink and when you do, that type of thing but, I think I’m a little more familiar with it now. I don’t think it’s that complicated anymore.”
Research would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of participants who share part of their lives to inform our understanding of how diet and physical activity shape our health. The HEAL study is recruiting participants on an ongoing basis, so don’t worry if you haven’t received an invitation yet.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for more updates on the HEAL & CHARM webpage!